Academic Accommodation for Students with Disabilities (Policy)

Legislative History:

Approved by Senate 1991/06 as Policy on Students With Special Needs; Amended by Senate 2001/05/24; Amended and Renamed by Senate as "Policy Regarding Academic Accommodation for Students with Disabilities" 2005/02/24; Amended and approved by Senate 2017/06/15.

Pursuant to its commitment to sustaining an inclusive, equitable community in which all members are treated with respect and dignity, and consistent with applicable accessibility legislation, York University shall make reasonable and appropriate accommodations in order to promote the ability of students with disabilities to fulfill the academic requirements of their programs. This policy aims to eliminate systemic barriers to participation in academic activities by students with disabilities.

All students are expected to satisfy the essential learning outcomes of courses. Accommodations shall be consistent with, support and preserve the academic integrity of the curriculum and the academic standards of courses and programs.

Requests for accommodations shall be made and dealt with expeditiously.

Requests for extension or for deferral based on unforeseen and transient personal circumstances such as bereavement or short-term illness should be considered on compassionate grounds, but are not generally matters of academic accommodation under this policy.

All members of the University community bear responsibility for implementing this policy, and should make themselves familiar with the policy and the resources available to them. Accommodations are collaborative in nature and shall be based on mutual understanding.

Disabilities’ shall be defined as those conditions so designated under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Accommodations shall be sufficiently flexible to address individual needs.Requests for extension or for deferral based on unforeseen and transient personal circumstances such as bereavement or short-term illness should be considered on compassionate grounds, but are not generally matters of academic accommodation under this policy.All members of the University community bear responsibility for implementing this policy, and should make themselves familiar with the policy and the resources available to them. Accommodations are collaborative in nature and shall be based on mutual understanding.

[1] This policy has been updated at a time when Universal Design for Learning has taken on greater significance in postsecondary education and public policy. It is intended to reflect and reinforce the growing relevance and application of this approach to teaching and learning. Please refer to the Guidelines, Procedures, and Definitions document for further information.